Sometimes
called by it's former Latin name, Lotus major. Tolerant
of wet or acid soils and shade. Not very competitive in better
environments. Has underground rhizomes
which can store carbohydrate in autumn for overwintering, making
the plant useful in South Island high country. Contains condensed
tannins which improve protein absorption by grazing animals.

Vegetative
identification

Leaves
at first glance appear to have five leaflets. In fact the two
stipules at the base of the petiole have a leaf-like appearance;

leaves
ranging from almost hairless to quite obviously hairy;

stems not
able to support their own weight, at first ascending, then if
not grazed, sprawling loosely on the ground in an interwoven
mat.

Flower/Seed-head

Flowers
bright yellow in clusters of 5-15;

pods
straight, cylindrical, and pointed attached to a central point
like spokes of a wheel;

seeds
smaller than those of white clover, almost spherical, yellow-orange
or red-brown to grey-green in colour.

Other
species

Several
other species of Lotus also occur in New Zealand, on road side
verges and waste ground. Lotus corniculatus (birdsfoot
trefoil) is now commercially available, recommended for use
on less fertile soils in regions with warm dry summer conditions.